Brett and James Crawford – The Legacy Continues

The enduring legacy of the Crawford family has long been a cornerstone of South African horse racing, but the dynamic father-and-son combination of Brett and James Crawford has truly captivated the sport in recent years. Growing up immersed in the racing world, James had the unparalleled advantage of learning his trade directly from his Dad.

Brett, who is widely regarded as one of the most astute and accomplished trainers. Their shared passion for the thoroughbred and meticulous approach to conditioning laid the foundation for an extraordinary transition of power, blending decades of hard-earned experience with youthful ambition.

After years of honing his skills and proving his mettle by successfully running the stable’s Highveld satellite yard, James was officially elevated to the role of co-trainer alongside his father. This formalized partnership marked a significant new chapter for Crawford Racing, operating with immense success from their primary base in Cape Town.

Showcasing their combined synergy, the father-and-son team secured a magnificent victory in the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas with the exceptional filly, Fatal Flaw and then the Hollywoodbets Durban July with Oriental Charm.

When Brett made the bold decision to relocate to the fiercely competitive Asian racing circuit for the 2025/2026 season, he confidently handed complete control of Crawford Racing to James. Stepping into the spotlight as a standalone trainer, he was faced with the pressure of maintaining the stable’s prestigious reputation. Rather than being daunted, James embraced the responsibility, keeping the winners flowing and proving that the operation was in the most capable hands possible.

When Star Major won the Daily News 2000 on 30^th May 2026, James had achieved his first individual Grade 1 victory. Preparing Star Major to win the Daily News 2000 was a display of excellent horsemanship, firmly establishing James as a rising star in the training ranks in his own right. The triumph was a poignant full-circle moment, proving that the knowledge passed down from father to son had fully blossomed into independent, top-tier success.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, Brett’s debut season in Hong Kong has been nothing short of brilliant. Adapting his proven South African methodologies to the unique and high-pressure environments of Sha Tin and Happy Valley, he quickly found his rhythm against some of the world’s best.

His seamless transition was highlighted by capturing his first Graded stakes win in his new home with the talented Encountered, while consistently saddling a steady stream of winners to firmly establish his name on the international stage.

Brett secures his 21^st win for the season as Rising World gives Zac Purton his 2000^th winner in HK

Brett’s remarkable inaugural Asian campaign reached another milestone, adding an international flourish to a weekend already celebrated by James’s back home, highlighting how small that global window has become since the advent of social media.

Saddling the promising two-year-old debutant, Rising World, Brett secured a thrilling victory at Sha Tin under a perfectly timed ride from Zac Purton. It was the Australian’s 2,000th career winner in Hong Kong, perfectly capping off an unforgettable few days of global triumphs for Crawford Racing.